Sexual health screening

The Sexual Health drop-in screenings are accessible to everyone and aim to be an inclusive space to get tested in a safe and freeing environment.  

The clinics offer HIV testing for MSM (Burnett Foundation) and for heterosexual women/men and transwomen (Positive Women). There will also be STI testing available through Positive Women.   

No appointment is necessary, simply drop in and see one of the friendly team members. This clinic is an open, destigmatising space and is free of judgement.

Please note:

• STI testing (through Auckland Sexual Health) has been put on a pause for the moment, so capacity may be limited at the remaining screenings for 2024.
  
• These screenings are separate to the STD checks available through
  University Health and Counselling Services (UHCS). If you are enrolled with UHCS and would prefer to have an STD checks through them, please phone 0800 698 427 to make an appointment with a nurse.
  

These drop-in clinics will occur on the first Tuesday of each month 1-4pm throughout the academic year. They are all held in Workshop 101 in Kate Edger Information Commons.

Alternatively, UniChem Campus Pharmacy (located on KEIC Level 1) have Sexual Health 101 STI Testing kits available to purchase in store, with prices starting at $20. The STI kits test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV and Syphilis. The tests are performed by Labtests with the confidential results sent back directly back to you. To purchase a kit, please visit UniChem Campus Pharmacy for more information. 

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

Burnett Foundation strive to have a human-centred, science-led, sex-positive approach to public health. Key workstreams of advocacy, education, and support remain their key pillars. They also acknowledge their commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, to people living with and affected by HIV and to our very environment. Burnett Foundation Aotearoa continues to prevent HIV transmission, combat stigma and maximise the wellbeing of those most affected by HIV. Visit the Burnett Foundation website for more information.

Positive Women

Positive Women Inc. is an HIV support organisation, with a specific focus service for women, heterosexual men, transpeople and families living with and affected by HIV. They also provide a HIV health promotion programme to raise awareness about HIV with a focus to eliminate HIV related stigma and discrimination. Visit the Positive Women website for more information.

Why should I test?

Testing is one of the most important things you can do to help end HIV transmissions in New Zealand. Most new HIV transmissions occur when people don’t know they are living with HIV and aren’t on treatment.

Will other people know I’m testing for HIV and/or STIs?

If you test at the drop-in anything you share is completely confidential. You don’t even need to tell us your real name. You can also order a self-test through the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa which will arrive in discreet packaging so you can test privately, or you can access a STI test kit from UniChem Campus Pharmacy.

I don’t have any symptoms; do I really need to test for HIV and/or STIs?

Testing should be a part of a regular sexual-health schedule, not just something you do when things hurt, or pustules pop up. Not having any symptoms is common with HIV and a lot of other STIs – you should still be testing regularly.

How long does an HIV test take and when can I get the test results?

A rapid test for HIV at one of the drop-ins will give your results in just 60 seconds. Or you can order a self-test and get your results at home in 20 minutes. Keep in mind, evidence of HIV can be detected by some tests as early as 2 weeks after exposure, but it may take up to 3 months. Everyone responds differently to the virus.

Does the screening include blood tests?

The sexual health screenings provide multiple forms of tests. Because the
drop-ins are not a health centre, we are unable to do blood tests. However,
some tests may involve a finger-prick blood sample, like a home blood glucose testing, at the most. Should you wish for a blood test, we recommend accessing your closets sexual health provider; Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, Auckland Sexual Health, or University Health and Counselling Services.

I attended the drop-in but haven’t received any news on my test results yet. What does this mean?

Typically, the drop-ins run on a ‘no news is good news’ basis; in that, if you haven’t heard from us about your test results, you are likely to have tested negative for your screenings.